Online blackmail, threats to carry 3-year jail term in Oman

Muscat: Imprisonment for a period up to 3 years and a  fine of OMR 3,000 will be imposed for anyone who uses the internet or any means of information technology to threaten or blackmail a person to force him to commit or omit an act, even if the act or omission is legitimate.

A statement issued online by Public Prosecution said: "Using the internet or means of information technology to threaten or blackmail a person to force him to commit or omit an act, even if the act or omission is legitimate, is an offense punishable by imprisonment for a period up to 3 years and a fine ranging to OMR 3,000. The sentence is aggravated to a period up to 10 years and a fine ranging to OMR 10,000 if the threat is to commit a felony or attribute matters against honour or good name."